Photo via Yahoo Sports

Why the Phillies pulled Aaron Nola in the second inning vs. Braves

During the third game of their postseason wild card series against the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia interim manager Don Mattingly removed starting pitcher Aaron Nola before the conclusion of the second frame. The veteran right-hander threw thirty-eight pitches, surrendering three runs on two hits alongside a pair of walks and one strikeout while struggling to locate the strike zone.

All three runs scored during a turbulent opening frame sparked by consecutive walks to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson followed by a three-run home run hit by Michael Harris II.

Nola was ultimately relieved by Tim Mayza after giving up a single to Dominic Smith, leaving the squad facing a three-run deficit in the deciding postseason contest.

Up nextMLB· 1h ago

Red-hot Padres on to NLDS